STARKVILLE, Miss. - Nittany Lion softball's excellent academic record was once again recognized when the National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced Penn State was the sixth-best Division I program in terms of grade-point average in 2010.

The Nittany Lions, which posted a cumulative team GPA of 3.517, the highest in the Big Ten Conference as well as the best in major Division I softball among all BCS-affiliated softball programs (teams from the Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, Atlantic Coast and Southeast Conferences). Robert Morris topped all Division I programs with a GPA of 3.580.

Penn State received an enormous boost to its academic standing as the now-graduated Ashley Griffith (Mt. Laurel, N.J.) was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Third Team in May. The standout outfielder was named to the All-District First Team squad thanks to her 3.95 cumulative GPA and stellar play on the field. Griffith is Penn State's 14th Academic All-America honoree, and the sixth under head coach Robin Petrini

The Nittany Lions fielded 10 Academic All-Big Ten honorees out of its 18 roster student-athletes during the 2010 season. In May, the softball squad was named one of four Penn State teams to be honored by the NCAA with a Public Recognition Award for earning high schools in the most reason Academic Progress Rate (APR) compilation. The award, which was for the 2008-09 academic year, was the third straight honor for the softball program.

Penn State opened Fall Ball play last weekend at Lock Haven and will have games this weekend at Virginia Tech, two each Saturday and Sunday. A complete recap of the Fall season will be released next week as well as additional information on the 2011 Spring schedule.

For complete coverage of all the Nittany Lion softball this season, visit GoPSUsports.com.